September marks Mexico’s annual Mes de la Patria, patriotic month or month of the homeland. This month-long celebration of culture, history and nationhood includes some of the most significant dates in the Mexican calendar. While Cinco de Mayo may be the most widely celebrated Mexican festival in the United States, in Mexico its importance is eclipsed by the independence celebrations held on September 15th and 16th. 

The evening of September 15th sees the Grito de Dolores, or Cry of Dolores, celebrated in almost every city, town and community in the country. This is a commemoration of the call for independence that is seen as the start of Mexico’s war for freedom from Spanish dominion. The call was made on September 15th in 1810 by Father Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest in Dolores, Hidalgo, near the city of San Miguel de Allende. It has been celebrated since 1840.

People across the country gather in public squares and parks to hold grand celebrations featuring traditional dance, clothing and music. There is a wide variation in the festivities in different parts of the country, reflecting the size and diversity of the nation. Food and drink are plentiful, with vendors purveying everything from classic Mexican dishes to sweet treats. It is also possible to buy a dizzying array of patriotic paraphernalia to add to the atmosphere of cultural celebration.

The highlight of the evening is the cry itself at around 11pm, when a local dignitary will read out a speech echoing the patriotic sentiments of Father Hidalgo culminating with cries of “¡Viva!” which is shouted back by the watching crowds across the country, and then at the end, everyone shouts “¡Viva México!” three times followed by the symbolic ringing of a large bell. In Mexico City the cry is given by the President himself at the Palacio Nacional, and the bell rung is the very same one used by Father Hidalgo over 200 years ago. The flag is then waved by the speaker as the national anthem is played and sung by the crowd. This is often followed by elaborate fireworks and light displays in the national colors. Those that choose not to attend their local cry often watch the televised ceremony from Mexico City, where crowds are often in their hundreds of thousands. The spectacle of virtually the whole country crying out ¡Viva México! together at the same time is a strong reminder of the shared history and national pride running through the Mexican spirit. Afterwards, the party goes on long into the night.

The following day is Independence Day itself commonly known as El Dieciseis, the Sixteenth. This is a national holiday with schools and many businesses closed for the day. This day marks the final success of Mexico’s fight for independence, which was gained 11 years after Father Hidalgo's exhortation in 1821 when the Treaty of Córdoba was signed on August 24th.  For many this is a day of recovery from the excesses of the previous night, or an opportunity to gather with family members and share the day together. Parks and beaches are often crowded with people looking to spend the day on leisure pursuits. There are commemorative events held across the country, with parades, marches, gatherings and televised specials. 

There are also other days celebrated during the month, including regional celebrations. One of the most widely celebrated is El Día de los Niños Heroes on the 13th, which commemorates the deaths of six teenage cadets who lost their lives fighting for Mexico in the Battle of Chapultepec in 1847 during the Mexico – United States war. 

These dates are the highlight of the month; however, patriotism is visibly celebrated across the country from the 1st onwards, with public buildings, businesses and even homes decorated with Mexican flags and the colors of green, white and red. It is also common to see flags on cars and other vehicles. Many towns and cities will have light displays in public parks, again using the national colors. Some also have switch-on celebrations with traditional music and food, serving as a warmup for the Grito on the 15th.

Many Mexicans also look forward to the special food associated with the month. Chile en Nogada is one popular dish which is favored due to featuring the 3 colors of the Mexican flag. A stuffed green poblano pepper is covered in a white creamy walnut sauce and then decorated with fresh red pomegranate seeds, ensuring that all three colors are visible when served. Another common choice is Pozole, a stew of pork and hominy which comes in both a red and green variety. Many other dishes are also dressed up in national colors, adding a patriotic twist to the already vibrant national cuisine.

With September featuring so many celebrations of Mexican identity, it is one of the best times of year to visit. People are eager to talk about Mexican history and culture and foreign guests are warmly welcomed at all of the festivities. It really is a time in which Mexico showcases its past and present, and all that has been achieved over 200 years of independence.

To read more about Mexican history, culture and language, check out our wide selection of blogs. New features are published every month. If you are interested in visiting Mexico and immersing yourself in the beautiful language and unique culture, visit our Spanish Immersion page or contact us on say@naatikmexico.org.